News Briefing

Planning meeting set for Relay for LifeIt's time to get organized again for Tonganoxie's Relay for Life, a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society.A kickoff/planning meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Tonganoxie Public Library, Third and Bury streets."We encourage anyone interested in being involved in this year's event to attend," said Kim Kolman, one of the organizers of the event.The annual relay will be held June 1 at the Tonganoxie High School athletic field.

Eastern Star chapter plans special honorOn Monday, Rinda Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star will honor Orville Oeschlaeger, district deputy grand master of the Grand Lodge of Kansas at its regular meeting.Members are asked to attend the gathering, which begins at 8 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge in Tonganoxie. Any master mason not a member of Eastern Star is invited to join the group at 9 p.m. for refreshments.

Annual trivia contest runs until March 30The Kansas Conservation Tree Planting program's annual trivia contest is under way.And 10 winners in the contest will receive a bundle of tree and shrub seedlings in April. Questions are available from the Leavenworth County Conservation District, (913) 682-2133; and on the Kansas Forest Service's Web site: www.kansasforests.org.The deadline is 5 p.m. March 30. Entries must be sent to the Kansas Forest Service, 2610 Claflin Rd., Manhattan, Kan. 66502.

City rec commission changes meeting dayThe Tonganoxie Recreation Commission's meeting next week has been moved up a day. The commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. next Wednesday at the Tonganoxie Public Library, Third and Bury streets.

Information offered to foster parentsThe Kaw Valley Center will host an information meeting for prospective foster and adoptive parents. Those attending will view the documentary, "No Place to Call Home," meet agency representatives and speak with foster/adoptive parents.The meeting will be at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Kaw Valley Center, 1202 E. 23rd St., Lawrence. The Kaw Valley Center will also host M.A.P.P. (Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) training beginning Feb. 15 for prospective foster and adoptive parents. For information or to enroll, call Kursten Smith at (785) 331-4200, extension 17.